Department of Virology, Public Health Laboratories Division

National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad Pakistan

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

For Collection, Storage & Transportation of Specimens from Suspected Cases of

Influenza (Avian Influenza)

 

MATERIALS SUPPLIED

 

1.      Polyester fibre-tipped applicator

2.      Bijou  vials containing Viral Transport Medium (VTM)

 

STORAGE

VTM must be stored at -200 C prior to use.

 

DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMEN (THROAT SWAB)

 

1.      Wear gloves/Masks while collecting/handling specimens.

2.      Use tongue depressor.

3.      Swab both tonsils and the posterior pharynx vigorously.

4.      Put the tip of the swab into plastic vial containing 2–3 ml of VTM and break off the applicator stick.

 

5.      Refrigerate Specimens immediately after collection.

6.      Put the Investigation forms, wrapped separately from specimens.

 

STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF CLINICAL SPECIMENS

 

1.      Wrap Specimens by absorbable material such as cotton and place it in leak-proof specimen bag.

 

2.      Seal this bag in another bag or container to further isolate and prevent breakage. 

 

3.      Transport specimen to the diagnostic laboratory, place specimen in a specimen container with ice packs to keep the temperature 40 C.

 

*Personnel who transport specimens should be trained in safe handling practices and decontamination procedures. 

 

DESPATCH

1.      When samples have been collected, the local Polio Surveillance Officer would call the specified courier for despatch of samples/things.

 

2.      While handling over the cold box to courier, instructions about transportation/care should be conveyed.

 

FOLLOW UP

Keep the clinical record of patient with yourself and maintain a register of all concerned personals who have been involved in sample collection/handling practices.